'The Master' trailer: Joaquin Phoenix Rises

Remember when Joaquin Phoenix 'retired' from acting? Yeah, me neither.

Today, the Weinstein Company released the first full-length trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson's religious drama "The Master" and holy cow, does Phoenix look creepy.

Set in 1952, "The Master," co-starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams, tells the story of a drifter who develops a relationship with the charismatic leader of a faith-based organization. Drama is said to be loosely based on the life of Scientology leader L. Ron Hubbard, but it's Phoenix who takes center stage here.

And while it's far too early to tell, I wouldn't be surprised to see Joaquin go head-to-head (or tux-to-tux?) with Daniel Day Lewis this awards season. Coincidentally, Lewis ("Lincoln) also happens to be PTA's last tortured actor ("There Will Be Blood") before taking home the Oscar in 2008.

Scored by Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead, "The Master" opens in limited release October 12, 2012.